Pinback button for Kwanzaa

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

A pinback button for Kwanzaa. The button has a white background and a drawing in red, yellow, green, and black ink. At the center of the drawing is a circle filled with the depiction of two people looking at one another. Below them are a depiction of apples and bananas. Two infants are visible amongst the fruit. At the top of the center circle, there is a drawing of the Mishumaa Saba (seven candles). Within each candles white text reads [Kujichagulia / Ujima / Ujamaa / Umoja / Nia / Kuumba / Imani]. Additional symbols of Kwanzaa including the mazao (crops), Mahindi (corn), the Kikombe cha Umoja (unity cup), and the Kwanzaa dates [Dec. 26 /Jan. 1], are depicted on the sides of the center circle. At the bottom large green lettering reads [Kwanzaa]. The back of the button has a metal pin with a clasp.

Catalog date

after 1966

Recorded places

United States, North and Central America

Recorded subjects

African American; African diaspora; Black power; Holidays and festivals; Identity

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